How Do Tomato Worms Get on Your Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a popular garden crop that many people love to grow in their backyard. However, tomato plants are also a tasty snack for many pests, including tomato worms. These green, horned caterpillars can quickly decimate a tomato crop if not identified and removed promptly. But how do tomato worms get on your tomato plants in the first place? Let’s explore the different ways in which these pests can infest your garden.

Through Eggs Laid by Moths

Tomato worms start as eggs laid by adult moths. These moths, known as hornworms, are often green or brown and can blend in with the foliage of tomato plants. They lay their eggs on the underside of tomato leaves, usually in clusters of 30 to 40. Once hatched, the larvae of the hornworms will begin feeding on the tomato plants and grow exponentially larger over time.

Transferred from Other Plants

Another way tomato worms can get on your tomato plants is by transferring from other plants. If you have any plants in your garden belonging to the Solanaceae family (such as potatoes, peppers, or eggplants), they can also be host plants for tomato worms. The pests may lay their eggs on these plants and then transfer over to your tomato plants once they hatch. Additionally, adult moths can fly from nearby gardens and lay their eggs in your garden.

Through Contaminated Soil

Tomato worms can also be introduced to your garden through contaminated soil. If you had tomato worms in your garden the previous growing season, they may have left behind pupae in the soil. These pupae can survive the winter and hatch the following year when new tomato plants are planted. Therefore, it is essential to remove any remaining tomato plants and dispose of them properly to prevent future infestations.

Preventing Tomato Worm Infestations

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your tomato plants safe from tomato worms. Here are some tips to help you avoid infestations:

Check your tomato plants regularly for signs of tomato worms.

Remove any hornworms by hand, taking care to pluck them off entirely and dispose of them. If you have a large infestation, consider using an organic pesticide to control their numbers.

Plant companion plants that repel tomato worms, such as marigolds or basil.

Cover your tomato plants with netting to keep adult moths from laying their eggs.

Rotate your crops each season to prevent the buildup of tomato worm pupae in the soil.

By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of tomato worm infestations and enjoy a healthy tomato crop.